Page 119 of The Fallen Fae King

He looks up at me with aching hopefulness.

I feel sick.

I know the type of family he has come from that makes him believe that being punished is the answer.

Daire’s expression gentles, as he exchanges a glance with me.

Yet this conditioning of Lucius means that it will be easier for me to use him in my plan to see Lanlin.

Gently, I grab Lucius by his narrow shoulders and help him back to his feet. “No beating or punishment needed. We’re friends, okay? I don’t blame you for what your dickhead family did.”

Lucius’ shoulders slump, before he smiles.

He purrs, nuzzling against me.

“If you want to make it up to me, however, then you can help me to get into the Guild of Assassins to see my Alpha.” I rub my cheek against Lucius’. “What would you do if War was behind bars? Wouldn’t you do everything to break her out?”

Lucius’ purr abruptly breaks off, although he still rests his head against my neck. “I can’t help you to break out this kingdom’s worst enemy. It would destroy Relius, and I won’t disobey my King or hurt him.”

Daire pushes his hands into his pockets. “Who’s asking you to? You’ll simply be visiting your other friend Wraith at the Guild and having a good old chat. If Freya here happens to use that distraction to slip in behind you, well, that’s on us, right?”

“You’re a trickster. I’m growing to like you too.” Lucius shakes his head, glancing over his shoulder at Daire. “You swear that you’re only taking him that food…?”

“And blood,” I reply, “because he’s starving. Just imagine if War was being tortured and starved in that Guild.”

Lucius shudders.

“Vic once tested her games on me. I wouldn’t wish that hell on anyone, even her murderer.” He turns, strolling down the corridor. He doesn’t look around, as he calls, “I’m leaving now to see Wraith. I do hope that nobody follows me and breaks into the Guild of Assassins.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Guild of Assassins, Shadow Court

Freya

I wrinkle my nose at the scent of mold as I creep down the stone steps into the Guild of Assassins dungeon. I glance over my shoulder, checking that I am not being followed.

Lucius distracted both Wraith and Taran, but being in a guild run by killers, even though I am disguised as a servant, isn’t my idea of fun.

I don’t have long.

I need to slip in, feed my Alpha, and slip out again.

Yet this dungeon is nothing like the one underneath Aurelius’ palace, which Daire was locked in.

That shithole was functional and ordered, although brutal.

As I followed Lucius’ directions through this labyrinth to the right cell, however, my guts filled with dread because this wasn’t about justice.

It was cruel entertainment.

The walls were blood-stained.

Vampires were locked in too-small silver cages. The Bloods didn’t even lift their heads as I passed.

The sound of the distant clash of steel, as if somewhere the assassins were sparring, mingled with screams.

Every step downward into the Guild’s bowels tightened the knot in my chest.